Publications by authors named "Thomas S Owens"
Article Synopsis
- Hypoxia, which is lower oxygen levels, can negatively affect cognitive functions, particularly impacting memory while leaving attention tasks relatively untouched.
- In a study with 12 male participants, cognitive performance was tested after varying periods of hypoxic exposure, revealing decreased oxygen delivery to brain regions involved in memory tasks.
- The results indicate that cognitive performance varies across domains, with memory showing significant impairment due to hypoxia, while tasks related to selective attention and response inhibition remain resilient.
New Findings: What is the central question of this study? What are the molecular, cerebrovascular and cognitive biomarkers of retired rugby union players with concussion history? What is the main finding and its importance? Retired rugby players compared with matched controls exhibited lower systemic nitric oxide bioavailability accompanied by lower middle cerebral artery velocity and mild cognitive impairment. Retired rugby players are more susceptible to accelerated cognitive decline.
Abstract: Following retirement from sport, the chronic consequences of prior-recurrent contact are evident and retired rugby union players may be especially prone to accelerated cognitive decline.
Article Synopsis
- - The study examines how continuous hypoxia affects cerebral shear rate, endothelial function, and cerebral oxygen delivery (CDO) in healthy males, comparing results from normoxia (normal oxygen levels) and hypoxia (reduced oxygen levels).
- - Results showed that while systemic blood flow (brachial artery) decreased during hypoxia, the cerebral blood flow regulation remained intact, even with reduced shear rate and oxygen delivery in the internal carotid artery.
- - The findings suggest that the negative impact of continuous hypoxia on oxygen delivery is independent of cerebral endothelial function, contrasting with effects seen during cyclic intermittent hypoxia, indicating that the effects depend on the duration and nature of the hypoxia exposure.
Recurrent contact and concussion in rugby union remains a significant public health concern given the potential increased risk of neurodegeneration in later life. This study determined to what extent prior-recurrent contact impacts molecular-hemodynamic biomarkers underpinning cognition in current professional rugby union players with a history of concussion. Measurements were performed in 20 professional rugby union players with an average of 16 (interquartile range [IQR] 13-19) years playing history reporting 3 (IQR 1-4) concussions.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFArticle Synopsis
- The study investigates how repetitive contact in a professional rugby season affects players' molecular, cerebrovascular, and cognitive functions, focusing on oxidative-nitrosative stress (OXNOS).
- Key findings show that forwards endure more contact events than backs, leading to higher OXNOS levels, reduced cerebrovascular function, and impaired cognitive abilities.
- These results highlight potential health implications of contact sports, particularly in understanding how physical collisions can adversely affect brain function and overall well-being in rugby union players.
New Findings: What is the central question of this study? To what extent do hypoxia-induced changes in the peripheral and central respiratory chemoreflex modulate anterior and posterior cerebral oxygen delivery, with corresponding implications for susceptibility to acute mountain sickness? What is the main finding and its importance? We provide evidence for site-specific regulation of cerebral blood flow in hypoxia that preserves oxygen delivery in the posterior but not the anterior cerebral circulation, with minimal contribution from the central respiratory chemoreflex. External carotid artery vasodilatation might prove to be an alternative haemodynamic risk factor that predisposes to acute mountain sickness.
Abstract: The aim of the present study was to determine the extent to which hypoxia-induced changes in the peripheral and central respiratory chemoreflex modulate anterior and posterior cerebral blood flow (CBF) and oxygen delivery (CDO ), with corresponding implications for the pathophysiology of the neurological syndrome, acute mountain sickness (AMS).
Impaired cerebral blood flow regulation and cognition in male football players.
Scand J Med Sci Sports
October 2021
Article Synopsis
- Football players who frequently head the ball may face an increased risk of neurodegeneration, but the link between this activity, cerebral blood flow (CBF) regulation, and cognitive impairment is not well understood.
- In a study involving 16 amateur football players and 18 matched control participants, researchers measured cerebral perfusion and assessed cognitive function and visuomotor coordination.
- Results showed that while there were no differences in CBF, football players had significantly impairments in cerebrovascular reactivity, cognitive performance, and dexterity compared to the controls, suggesting potential risks associated with heading the ball.
Article Synopsis
- Females are at a higher risk for cognitive decline and cerebrovascular issues in later life, potentially due to reduced blood flow and cerebrovascular reactivity.
- A study involved 73 adults, grouped by sex and exercise status, to assess the impact of regular exercise on brain blood flow and overall cardiovascular health.
- Despite lower fitness levels, females showed better cerebrovascular responses than males, suggesting that regular exercise may offer neuroprotective benefits and help reduce risks of cerebrovascular disease as women age.